Misconceptions about What MSHDA HCV (Section 8) Handles

A lot of landlords become intrigued about fillingthe rent.  Sometimes, it happens that MSHDA
their vacancies with a Section 8 Tenant and his orpays the entire rent amount.
her rent payment coming from the government 
instead of depending upon the tenant.  However,Resolving Tenant Problems
there are some rumors that overstate some ofMSHDA will not resolve disputes between
the benefits of the program.landlords and tenants, even if the tenant is a
 Section 8 tenant.  However, if the tenant
Tenant Referralsrepeatedly is not complying with the lease terms
The Michigan State Housing Developmentor violates a serious offense, you should follow
Authority (MSHDA) does not refer tenants tothe eviction process as if this is a standard
your property.  However, they do provide atenant.  Only, you must notify the housing
service that allows you list your home toauthority about any actions you are taking.
prospective tenants for free (on through 
 Inspections
Tenant ScreeningMSHDA requires each property to be inspected. 
MSHDA will not screen your tenants for you. These are called Housing Quality Standard (HQS)
However, MSHDA will ensure that your tenantinspections.  Also, there are inspections required
fulfills the requirements to remain in the Section 8by the city to ensure the property adheres to its
Housing Coupon Voucher (HCV) program.  Often,building codes. These inspections are separate
there is a long waiting list for a tenant to gainfrom the HQS.
acceptance after reapplying.  So most tenantsThe HQS inspection occurs when a Section 8
are pretty motivated to be good tenants.  As atenant first moves into a property.  They also
landlord, you have to arrange your own finalinspect the property annually. They might also
screening, though.inspect it upon hearing a complaint or as part of
 an audit process.
Security Deposit 
MSHDA does not pay for the security deposit. Move Out Inspections
MSHDA pays for the predetermined portion ofMSHDA does not report inspection upon a
the tenant's rent payment.tenant's departure.  Tenants are responsible for
 damage to property beyond the normal wear and
Rent Guaranteetear.  Report all damages to the housing
MSHDA does not guarantee entire rentauthority, and cases will be handled on a
payment.  However, they guarantee theircase-by-case basis.
predetermined amount for each individual tenantThere are many upsides to filling a property's
based upon (a) the tenant's income level, (b) thevacancy with a Section 8 tenant; however, it is
number of the tenant's dependents, and (c) whatimportant to know the difference between actual
is considered to be a reasonable rent levelfact and rumor-based fiction before you fill a
compared to similar properties within the area. vacancy.
The tenant needs to pay the remaining portion of